CNN anchor Jim Acosta is set to depart the network, as revealed by the Status newsletter on Monday, January 27, 2025. Acosta confirmed his plan to leave during personal discussions and his final broadcast on January 28, 2025.
Mark Thompson, a senior executive at CNN, had previously recommended moving Acosta’s morning show to a late-night slot, corresponding with Donald Trump’s re-emergence in power.
According to reports, Thompson discussed with Acosta moving his show, CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta, from its current 10 a.m. slot to midnight to 2 a.m. ET slot. Thompson believed the late-night slot could help the network capture prime-time viewership on the West Coast and attract global audiences via streaming platforms.
A source told the Status newsletter, stating, “The network aims to push Acosta aside as a concession to Trump. A midnight slot does not match his program’s strong network ratings.”
The suggested time change is intriguing as it coincides with Trump’s return to the White House. Acosta’s previous interactions with Trump have been fraught, leading to Acosta’s press pass revoked in 2018 following a heated press conference.
In the 2018 episode, Trump chastised Acosta while an aide tried to remove the microphone from him. Trump stated, “CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them. You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldn’t be working for CNN,” as reported by Newsweek.
Another heated exchange occurred during a 2020 press briefing when Acosta questioned Trump’s honesty. Trump responded by attacking Acosta’s professional reputation, claiming he had the “worst record” in the broadcasting industry.
The conflicts mainly focused on the border wall controversy. Acosta challenged Trump over the allegation of a fabricated border crisis to justify the wall’s construction. Trump retaliated by attacking Acosta and CNN’s credibility, labeling them as “fake news” and accusing Acosta of political bias.
The suggested program changes would also affect veteran anchor Wolf Blitzer, 76, who hosts The Situation Room from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET on weekdays. The plan included moving Blitzer to a new morning slot alongside anchor Pamela Brown, potentially extending his broadcast time by an hour.
These changes are part of a Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company, broader restructuring plan. The company plans to invest $70 million to expand digital content and develop new assets in sectors such as health and wellness. The restructuring might also include moving more production staff to CNN’s Atlanta, Georgia facilities to reduce costs.
Before the potential schedule change announcement, Acosta drew attention by displaying a bright pink sign during his broadcast that read, “I march for Jim Acosta and a free press,” contributed by a CNN fan.
Acosta has been a strong advocate for journalism, stating that “we are not the enemy of the people we are the defender of the people.” He emphasized the vital roles of journalists, such as seeking the truth, telling stories, amplifying underrepresented voices, exposing injustice, and holding power accountable.
A CNN insider expressed disappointment, stating, “Many viewers like Jim… if there is anyone who could make the overnight go, it’s him. It’s sad to see him go.”
Reports suggest that Acosta was surprised by the proposed programming change, as he “was not under the impression that his show was in danger of being chopped,” as indicated by network sources.
A CNN insider commented on Acosta’s decision to potentially terminate his contract, stating, “It takes courage.”
Acosta addressed his viewers during his Tuesday, January 28, 2025 broadcast, marking the end of his almost 20-year stint at CNN. During his tenure at CNN, Acosta rose through the ranks to become the network’s chief domestic correspondent and has hosted the 10 a.m. ET Newsroom show for nearly a year.
A person familiar with the matter suggests that Acosta will likely pursue independent endeavors. One such endeavor could involve creating a digital subscription platform that highlights his interviews and investigative reporting.